U.S. patent application number 11/712119 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-06 for computerized plant selection system.
Invention is credited to Matthew K. Glenn, David L. Wilkins.
Application Number | 20070208592 11/712119 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38472490 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070208592 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Glenn; Matthew K. ; et
al. |
September 6, 2007 |
Computerized plant selection system
Abstract
A computerized plant selection system comprises a probe and a
computer. The probe is installed at a proposed site for a plant.
The probe collects environmental data at the site. The
environmental data are uploaded to a computer. The computer
identifies one or more compatible plant species using the
environmental data. Information regarding the compatible plant
species is displayed to a user, which advantageously enables the
user to select a plant that is environmentally compatible with the
proposed site. The compatible plant species may be further
identified using user interview data, which enables the user to
advantageously select a plant that is compatible with the user's
aesthetic and utilitarian preferences. The computer may further
identify purchasing information, which advantageously saves the
user time and effort in locating a plant and enables the user to
purchase a plant that is compatible with the user's budget.
Inventors: |
Glenn; Matthew K.; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Wilkins; David L.; (San Jose,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Scot A. Reader, Esq.
Suite 228, 1320 Pearl Street
Boulder
CO
80302
US
|
Family ID: |
38472490 |
Appl. No.: |
11/712119 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60778214 |
Mar 2, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/1.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 7/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/1 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20060101
G06Q010/00 |
Claims
1. A computerized plant selection system, comprising: a probe
adopted to collect environmental data at a proposed plant site; and
a computer adapted to receive environmental data collected by the
probe, identify one or more compatible plant species for the
proposed plant site using the received environmental data and
display information regarding the compatible plant species.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the received environmental data
comprise data indicative of plant-environment compatibility.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the received environmental data
comprise light intensity, temperature, humidity, soil moisture and
soil pH data.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the probe has a portable
controller adapted to store the collected environmental data.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the probe comprises a USB
connector for connecting the controller to the computer.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the probe comprises a wireless
communications interface for transmitting environmental data to the
computer.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the compatible plant species are
further identified using user interview data.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the user interview data comprise
data indicative of plant-user compatibility.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is further adapted
to identify purchasing information regarding one or more of the
compatible plant species and display the purchasing
information.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the probe has a portable
controller adapted to store the collected environmental data and
computer has client software installed thereon adapted to interact
with the controller to receive the collected environmental data,
interact with a regional plant database to identify the compatible
plant species, interact with an advertising portal to identify
purchasing information and interact with a user interface to
display information regarding the compatible plant species and the
purchasing information.
11. A method for selecting a plant, comprising: collecting
environmental data at a proposed plant site; identifying one or
more compatible plant species for the proposed plant site using the
environmental data; and displaying information regarding the
compatible plant species.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the compatible plant species
are further identified using user interview data.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: identifying
purchasing information regarding one or more of the compatible
plant species; and displaying the purchasing information.
14. A set of instructions executable on a computer for performing
steps comprising: receiving environmental data collected at a
proposed plant site; conducting an interview with a user to obtain
user interview data; identifying one or more compatible plant
species for the proposed plant site using the environmental data
and the user interview data; and displaying information regarding
the compatible plant species to the user.
15. The set of instructions of claim 14 for performing further
steps comprising: identifying purchasing information regarding one
or more of the compatible plant species; and displaying the
purchasing information to the user.
16. The set of instructions of claim 14 wherein the environmental
data are received from a portable probe controller.
17. The set of instructions of claim 14 wherein the compatible
plant species are further identified using a profile obtained from
a regional plant database.
18. The set of instructions of claim 14 wherein the purchasing
information is obtained from a website.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application No. 60/778,214 entitled "Computerized Plant Selection
and Health Maintenance System," filed on Mar. 2, 2006. This
application has subject matter related to U.S. nonprovisional
application Ser. No. ______ entitled "Probe for Plant Selection and
Health Maintenance System," Ser. No. ______ entitled "Computerized
Plant Health Diagnostics System," Ser. No. ______ entitled
"Real-Time Plant Health Monitoring System" and Ser. No. ______
entitled "Computerized System for Targeted Horticultural
Advertising," all of which have a filing date concurrent herewith
and are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to plant performance
optimization and, more particularly, to a computerized system for
plant selection.
[0003] Plant heath is highly dependent on compatibility of plant
species with local environmental conditions, such as light,
temperature, humidity, soil moisture and soil pH. Determining
compatibility of plant species with local environmental conditions
is, however, a complex problem. The sheer diversity of plant
species makes determining the universe of plant species that will
thrive in a given environment a daunting challenge that is beyond
the capabilities of the typical home gardener. The task of
determining local environmental conditions with sufficient
precision to make intelligent judgments about plant selection is
also formidable. Due to these and other difficulties in determining
plant-environment compatibility, plants are often selected based on
non-scientific perceptions about species characteristics and local
environmental conditions, with selected plants often experiencing
poor health as a result. Moreover, even where a compatible plant is
identified, the home gardener and horticultural professional must
expend considerable effort to locate and purchase the compatible
plant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides a computerized plant
selection system. In some embodiments the system comprises a probe
and a computer. The probe is installed at a proposed site for a
plant. The probe collects environmental data at the site. The
environmental data are uploaded to a computer. The computer
identifies one or more compatible plant species using the
environmental data. Information regarding the compatible plant
species is displayed to a user, which advantageously enables the
user to select a plant that is environmentally compatible with the
proposed site.
[0005] In some embodiments the environmental data include data
indicative of plant-environment compatibility, such as light
intensity, temperature, humidity, soil moisture and soil pH.
[0006] In some embodiments the probe has a portable controller for
storing the environmental data. The controller is removed from the
probe and connected to the computer for uploading the environmental
data. The probe has a USB connector for connecting the controller
to the computer.
[0007] In some embodiments the compatible plant species are further
identified using user interview data. The computer conducts an
interview with the user to collect information indicative of
plant-user compatibility, such as color and maintenance
requirements. The computer identifies the compatible plant species
using the environmental data and the user interview data.
Information regarding the compatible plant species is displayed to
the user, which enables the user to advantageously select a plant
that is compatible with the user's aesthetic and utilitarian
preferences.
[0008] In some embodiments the computer identifies purchasing
information, such as retailer information and pricing information,
for one or more of the identified compatible plant species, which
advantageously saves the user time and effort in locating a plant
and enables the user to purchase a plant that is compatible with
the user's budget.
[0009] In some embodiments the computer has client software
installed thereon for facilitating upload of the environmental data
to the computer, identifying the compatible plant species,
identifying the purchasing information and displaying the
compatible plant species and purchasing information. The client
software may interact with the controller for uploading of the
environmental data to the computer, may interact with a plant
database for identifying the compatible plant species, may interact
with a user interface for displaying the compatible plant species
and may interact with an advertising portal for identifying the
purchasing information. The plant database and the advertising
portal may be hosted at a website remote from the client
software.
[0010] These and other aspects of the invention will be better
understood by reference to the following detailed description taken
in conjunction with the drawings that are briefly described
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a probe adapted for use in a computerized plant
selection and health maintenance system in one embodiment of the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross section of a shield for such a probe.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a soil mount for such a probe.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross section of a soil mount for such a
probe.
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a stand for such a probe.
[0016] FIG. 6 shows a controller for such a probe.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of such a probe illustrating how
it is assembled.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of controller logic and sensors
for such a probe.
[0019] FIG. 9 shows a network adapted for use in a computerized
plant selection and health maintenance system in one embodiment of
the invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a computerized plant selection
system in one embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a computerized plant health
diagnostics system in one embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a computerized real-time plant
health monitoring system in one embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a front view of a probe adapted for use in a
computerized plant selection and health maintenance system in
another embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a side view of such a probe.
[0025] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of such a probe illustrating how
it is assembled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] Generally speaking, the present invention features a
hardware and software system and components thereof that are used
to determine horticultural compatibility with environmental
conditions that are prevalent in a particular location. The system
in some embodiments recommends a plant species for the particular
location and a retailer from whom the plant species may be
purchased. The system in some embodiments diagnoses an
environmental condition adverse to the health of a plant that is
installed at a particular location and recommends changes to the
environment to improve the health of the plant. The system in some
embodiments monitors in real-time for an environmental condition
adverse to the health of a plant that is installed in a particular
location and outputs alerts. The system in some embodiments
addresses a probe adapted for use in such a system to reliably
collect, process, store and transmit environmental data and output
alarms.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a probe 100 in one embodiment of the
invention. Probe 100 has a modular design that permits easy
assembly and disassembly. The modularity of probe 100 is also
advantageous in that it enhances the portability of a controller
110 which houses data, interfaces and logic critical to system
operation and which is physically transported during system
operation between probe 100 and a personal computer. Modular
elements of probe 100 are shown in FIGS. 2 through 7 and include
controller 110, a shield 130, a soil mount 140 and a stand 150.
Stand 150 is used in applications where probe 100 is mounted on a
hard surface, such as a building floor. The geometry of probe 100,
generally speaking, resembles a mushroom, which provides the
desired functions while appealing to a horticultural aesthetic
sensibility.
[0028] Turning to FIG. 2, shield 130 is shown in more detail.
Shield 130 serves as a protective cap for controller 110, which
houses sensitive electronics. Shield 130 is generally
semi-hemispherical. Shield 130 has a shell 210 adapted to reduce
exposure of controller 110 to environmental hazards, such as
thermal radiation, moisture and dirt, when engaged with controller
110. Shell 210 is sized and shaped to shed water droplets away from
controller 110, enhancing the durability of controller 110. Shell
210 also reduces exposure of controller 110 to direct sunlight,
enabling temperature readings by a temperature sensor on controller
110 that are near ambient. Without shell 210, direct sunlight could
heat controller 110 well above ambient temperature and could record
temperatures much higher than ambient.
[0029] Inside of shell 210 is a receptacle 230 for coupling shield
130 with controller 110. Receptacle 230 has an interior cross
section that matches the cross section of controller housing 660
such that controller housing 660 snugly engages with shield 130
when controller housing 660 is slid into receptacle 230. Similarly,
controller 110 disengages with receptacle 230 when controller
housing 660 is pulled from receptacle 230. Shell 210 has a hole in
the top to expose a light sensor 846 operative in controller 110
beneath a bezel 640 to direct sunlight when controller 110 and
shield 130 are engaged. The snug fit between controller 110 and
shield 130 helps prevent water entering the hole from reaching
lower regions of controller 110. Portions of cap 130 that are
exposed to direct sunlight may be white in color to resist thermal
absorption.
[0030] Turning to FIG. 3, soil mount 140 is shown in more detail.
Soil mount 140 has a protective receptacle 310 with contacts 320
projecting upward therefrom and a stake 330 projecting downward
therefrom. Holes near the bottom of stake 330 house soil sensors
848. Soil sensors 848 include a soil moisture content sensor and a
soil pH sensor. Extending from the bottom of stake 330 below soil
sensors 848 is a prong 350. When installed in a natural
environment, probe 100 is mounted by pushing prong 350 through the
surface of the ground near the actual or prospective location of a
plant until stake 330 is submerged below the ground to the level of
a depth mark 340 on stake 330. Depth mark 340 identifies a
recommended submersion depth for soil mount 140. Depth mark 340 is
placed at a location along stake 330 that, if heeded by the
installer of probe 100, permits soil sensors 848 to take accurate
measurements of soil moisture content and pH and maintains a
sufficient height of receptacle 310 above ground to both prevent
ground water from reaching receptacle 310 and minimize the exposure
of receptacle 310 to rain and sprinkler droplets reflected from the
ground. Soil sensors 848 are communicatively coupled with contacts
320 via conductors that traverse receptacle 310 and the interior of
stake 330.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 4, engagement of soil mount 140 and
controller 110 is further explained. Receptacle 310 has an interior
cross section and a depth that match the exterior cross section and
exposed length of a USB connector 620 that projects downward from
controller housing 660 such that controller 110 snugly engages with
soil mount 140 when USB connector 620 is slid into receptacle 310.
Similarly, controller 110 disengages with receptacle 310 when USB
connector 620 is pulled from receptacle 310. When controller 110 is
engaged with receptacle 310, contacts 320 mate with conductors
internal to controller 110 through holes in the lower surface of
controller housing 660 to communicatively couple controller 110
with soil sensors 848. The snug fit between controller 110 and soil
mount 140 helps prevent moisture and other contaminants from
reaching contacts 320 and USB connector 620.
[0032] Turning to FIG. 5, stand 150 is shown in greater detail.
Stand 150 is used in applications where probe 100 is mounted on a
hard surface, such as a building floor, shelf, or table. Stand 150
has three legs 520 and a clamp 510. Clamp 510 engages with cylinder
330 at a point along cylinder 330 that ensures prong 350 is
suspended above floor level, enabling legs 520 to support probe 100
when soil is not present. Naturally, measurements from soil sensors
848 are not generally available when probe 100 is supported in this
manner.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 6, controller 110 is shown in more
detail. Controller housing 660 has an on/off button 610 that is
depressed by the user to activate and deactivate controller 110.
Controller 110 has a USB connector 620 projecting from the bottom
of controller housing 660. USB connector 620 provides a
communications interface over which data may be uploaded to a
personal computer and download to controller 110. Controller
housing 660 also has air vents 630 that enable water vapor but not
water droplets to enter controller 110, which may be realized by
lining air vents 630 with a breathable membrane such as
GORE-TEX.RTM.. Allowing water vapor but not droplets to penetrate
air vents 630 advantageously enables a humidity sensor 844 internal
to controller 110 to measure ambient humidity accurately without
subjecting components inside controller 110 to undue moisture.
Controller housing 660 further has a transparent bezel 640 enabling
a light sensor 846 within controller 110 to receive direct sunlight
and measure light intensity. Controller housing 660 also includes a
status display 650. In some embodiments status display 650 is a
light emitting diode that provides a visual indication of an alarm
condition. Controller 110 additionally includes a temperature
sensor 842 internal to controller 110 for collecting temperature
data. Controller 110 may also include a loudspeaker 870 for
providing audible indications of an alarm condition. Controller 110
also includes a power supply, such as batteries.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows how probe 100 is assembled. Controller 110 is
typically pushed by hand into shield 130, or vice versa, until
controller housing 660 becomes snugly engaged with receptacle 230.
Similarly, controller 110 is typically pushed by hand into soil
mount 140, or vice versa, until USB connector 620 becomes snugly
engaged with receptacle 310. Because receptacles 230, 310 are sized
to match the portions of controller 110 with which they mate,
assembly and disassembly may be performed without the need for
tools or independent attachment or tightening mechanisms. In some
embodiments, receptacles 230, 310 are made of a rubberized material
that ensures a high quality seal between receptacles 230, 310 and
controller 110 and prevents scratching of controller 110 during
attachment and detachment.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows the logic operative within controller 110.
Controller 110 includes a processor 810, which is communicatively
coupled between a memory 820, a button interface 830,
analog-to-digital (A/D) converters 840, status display 650, USB
interface 860 and a loudspeaker 870. Processor 810 may be an
application specific integrated circuit or a microcontroller, for
example. Memory 820 may be a random access memory (RAM). A user
turns controller 110 "on" by depressing button 610 causing
processor 810 to receive an "on" command via button interface 830
and power-up controller 110. Generally speaking, a user turns
controller 110 "on" when controller 110 is either installed at a
prospective or actual site of a plant or is connected to a personal
computer via USB connector 620. When a user turns controller 110
"on" and USB connector 620 is not connected, sensors 842, 844, 846,
848 begin taking analog readings of their respective environmental
parameters and the environmental data are digitized in A/D
converters 840 en route to processor 810. Environmental parameters
that are measured by sensors 842, 844, 846, 848 represent
influential factors affecting plant-environment compatibility, such
as light, temperature, humidity, soil moisture and soil pH. In some
embodiments, processor 810 processes the environmental data and
stores them in memory 820 for later transmission to personal
computer via USB interface 860 to facilitate plant selection or
plant health diagnostics. Processing includes, for example,
time-stamping the environmental data and performing mathematical
corrections. For example, when the Sun is low in its zenith, light
intensity readings recorded by light sensor 846 may be artificially
low and require cosine correction. In some embodiments, processor
810 runs an algorithm that uses the time stomp applied to readings
recorded by light sensor 846 to cosine correct the light sensor
readings. In some embodiments, processor 810 determines in
real-time whether the environmental data are in conformance with a
species profile for an installed plant, and causes an alert to be
output on status display 650 and/or loudspeaker 870 if there is
nonconformance to facilitate real-time health monitoring. When a
user turns controller 110 "on" and USB connector 620 is connected,
processor 810 assists uploading or downloading of data to or from a
personal computer via USB interface 860. In some embodiments,
processor 810 assists upload of environmental data from memory 820
to the personal computer to facilitate plant selection or plant
health diagnostics. In some embodiments, processor 810 assists
download of species profiles for installed plants from the personal
computer to memory 820 to facilitate real-time health monitoring. A
user turns controller 110 "off" by depressing button 610 causing
processor 810 to receive an "off" command via button interface 830
and power-down controller 110. Generally speaking, a user turns
controller 110 "off" after sufficient environmental data have been
collected by probe 100 or controller 110 is not in use.
[0036] In some embodiments controller 110 may further include a GPS
receiver. Location information acquired by a GPS receiver may be
used, after upload of the location information to a personal
computer as hereinafter explained, to identify an appropriate one
of regional plant databases 960, provide product and service
information targeted to a user's geographic location or provide a
map showing where probe 100 is installed. Alternatively, a user may
provide location information through inputs on a personal computer
to enable one or more of these features. Time information acquired
by a GPS receiver may be used to automatically turn controller 110
"on" and "off" at designated times, for example.
[0037] Turning to FIG. 9, a network adopted for use in a
computerized plant selection and health maintenance system in one
embodiment of the invention is shown. In the network, controller
110 is connected to personal computer 910 via USB connector 620 to
enable uploading of collected environmental data and downloading of
species profiles as well as configuration updates, such as updates
to the operating system running on controller 110. Personal
computer 910 has client software 912 installed thereon for
accessing controller 110 via the USB connection and accessing
product website 920 via the Internet 930. Product website 920 hosts
user forums 940, downloadable software 950, regional plant
databases 960, an advertising portal 970 and server software 980.
Client software 912 may be included within downloadable software
950 and downloaded to personal computer 910 using a standard web
browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer.RTM.. In some
embodiments, an Internet capable computing device other than a
personal computer, such as workstation or personal data assistant
(PDA), may be employed in the instant computerized system.
[0038] Each one of regional plant databases 960 includes species
profiles for plant species germane to a particular geographic
region. A species profile includes, for example, an association
between a plant species and an optimal environment for the plant
species over various environmental parameters, such as light,
temperature, humidity, soil moisture and soil pH. For
simplification, an optimal environment may be expressed in terms of
discrete selection parameter values. In some embodiments, the
environmental parameters and corresponding selection parameters are
as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE Selection Parameters for Environmental
Parameters Environmental Parameter Selection Parameters Light Full
sun Partial sun/indirect sun Partial shade Shade Temperature Hot
Mild Cold Freeze Humidity Humid Normal Dry Soil Moisture Mostly
wet/wet then dry (draining) Mostly damp/damp then dry (draining)
Mostly dry Soil PH Acidic Neutral/balanced Basic
In some embodiments client software 912 or server software 980
converts the selection parameter values in species profiles to
numerical values so that species profiles can be compared with
environmental data collected by controller 110. In some embodiments
client software 912 or server software 980 converts numerical
values in environmental data collected by controller 110 to
selection parameter values so that species profiles can be compared
with environmental data. In some embodiments one or more regional
plant databases 960 suitable for a user's geographic location are
installed on personal computer 910 for localized access. Species
profiles may also include additional information about the plant
species, such as color information, for example.
[0039] In some embodiments client software 912 facilitates plant
selection. In these embodiments client software 912 analyzes
environmental data uploaded from controller 110 and outputs plant
selection recommendations to a user on a user interface of personal
computer 910. Plant selection recommendations are output after the
environmental data are cross-referenced against species profiles in
one of regional plant databases 960, which may be accessed locally
on personal computer 912 or remotely on product website 920. A
plant selection recommendation identifies one or more plant species
compatible with the environmental data. A plant selection
recommendation may be further determined based on answers input by
the user on a user interface of personal computer 910 in response
to interview questions propounded by client software 912, for
example, preferred color, size, price range, care-level, etc.
Client software 912 may further direct the user to advertising
portal 970 for identification of local retailers from which
recommended plant species may be purchased and pricing information
for the recommended plant species.
[0040] In some embodiments client software 912 facilitates plant
health diagnostics. In these embodiments client software 912
analyzes environmental data uploaded from controller 110 and
outputs a plant health diagnosis to a user on a user interface of
personal computer 910. A plant heath diagnosis is output after the
environmental data are compared with a species profile of a plant
species installed at the site where the data were collected. A
plant health diagnosis identifies incompatibilities between the
environmental data and the species profile. The species profile is
retrieved from one of regional plant databases 960, which may be
accessed locally or remotely, based on identification of the
installed plant species from information input by the user on the
user interface of personal computer 910. The user may identify the
installed plant species directly or the installed plant species may
be identified from answers responsive to interview questions
propounded by client software 912. Client software 912 may further
direct the user to user forums 940 and advertising portal 970 for
troubleshooting health problems with the installed plant.
Advertising portal 970 may provide local plant care information,
including identification of local retailers, landscape architects,
landscapers and purchasing information for plant care products and
tools.
[0041] In some embodiments client software 912 facilitates
real-time plant health monitoring including outputting of a visual
and/or audible alert. In these embodiments client software 912
downloads to controller 110 a species profile for an installed
plant. Probe 100 is then installed proximate the installed plant.
An alert is output by controller 110 when environmental data
collected by probe 100 are found incompatible with the species
profile. The species profile is retrieved by client software 912
from one of regional plant databases 960, which may be accessed
locally or remotely, based on identification of the installed plant
species from information input by the user on the user interface of
personal computer 910. The user may identify the installed plant
species directly or the installed plant species may be identified
from answers responsive to interview questions propounded by client
software 912.
[0042] Naturally, a plant selection and health maintenance system
in some embodiments of the invention supports more than one of
plant selection, plant health diagnostics and real-time plant
health monitoring. In these embodiments client software 912 allows
a user to choose on a user interface of personal computer 910 a
desired mode from among various supported modes of system
operation.
[0043] Client software 912 may perform additional functions, for
example, displaying environmental data uploaded from controller 110
and species profiles in a user-friendly format, displaying
comparisons of environmental data with species profiles,
highlighting periods of time where environmental parameters were
out of profile and providing a research tool for home gardeners and
horticulture professionals.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 10, a flow diagram of a computerized plant
selection system in one embodiment of the invention is shown.
Initially, probe 100 is installed at a proposed site for a plant
(1010). Probe 100 is activated by depressing on/off button 610
(1020) which prompts probe 100 to power-up and start collecting and
processing environmental data (1030). Probe 100 is then deactivated
by depressing on/off button 610 (1040) which prompts probe 100 to
power-down. Deactivation may occur a predetermined time after
activation, typically a number of days. Controller 110 is then
removed from probe 100 and plugged into personal computer 910 for
upload of the environmental data (1050). Client software 912
invokes one of regional plant databases 960 to determine various
plant species compatible with the environmental data and user
interview data (1060) and the compatible plant species are
displayed on a user interface of personal computer 910 (1070).
Client software 912 then directs the user to advertising portal 970
for purchasing information (1080).
[0045] Steps 1060 through 1080 proceed in one embodiment as
follows. Client software 912 executing on a microprocessor in
personal computer 910 analyzes the uploaded environmental data for
each monitored environmental characteristic (e.g. light,
temperature, humidity, soil moisture, soil pH) and classifies the
proposed plant site by generating selection parameter values.
Attendant to site classification, client software 912 may perform
data correction functions, such as filtering of spurious data and
unit conversions. Moreover, client software 912 may generate and
cause to be displayed on the user interface, attendant to or
independent of site classification, charts showing the recorded
values of one or more monitored environmental parameters over time,
with or without reference to the selection parameters.
[0046] After site classification, client software 912 accesses one
or more local, for example, on a hard drive of personal computer
910, or online regional plant databases 960 selected based on the
user's geographic location to identify plant species that are
environmentally compatible with the selection parameter values.
Answers provided by the user in response to interview questions
propounded by client software 912 may also be used, for example, to
prune the list of environmentally compatible plant species into a
smaller list. For example, client software 912 may ask the user for
color preferences, watering schedule preferences, ease of care
preferences, etc. to winnow the list of environmentally compatible
candidates. The resultant compatible plant species are displayed on
the user interface of personal computer 910. Client software 912
may then direct the user to advertising portal 970 for purchasing
information. Purchasing information may include, for example,
contact information for retailers within the user's geographic
reach that have one or more of the recommended plant species in
stock and pricing information.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 11, a flow diagram of a computerized
plant diagnostics system in one embodiment of the invention is
shown. Initially, probe 100 is installed at a site of an installed
plant that has been experiencing poor health (1110). Probe 100 is
activated by depressing on/off button 610 (1120) which prompts
probe 100 to power-up and start collecting and processing
environmental data (1130). Probe 100 is then deactivated by
depressing on/off button 610 (1140) which prompts probe 100 to
power-down. Deactivation may occur a predetermined time after
activation, typically a number of days. Controller 110 is then
removed from probe 100 and plugged into personal computer 910 for
upload of the environmental data (1150). Client software 912
conducts an interview with the user on a user interface of personal
computer 910 and retrieves a species profile for the installed
plant from one of regional plant databases 960 based on user
interview data (1160). The user may identify the installed plant
species directly through an input on the user interface or the
installed plant species may be identified from answers responsive
to interview questions propounded by client software 912 on the
user interface. Client software 912 identifies an environmental
condition adverse to health of the installed plant by comparing the
environmental data against the species profile (1170) and
information on the adverse environmental condition is displayed on
the user interface of personal computer 910 (1180). Client software
912 then directs the user to user forums 940 and/or advertising
portal 970 for troubleshooting information for improving the health
of the installed plant (1190). For example, client software 912 may
direct the user to user forums 940 for technical information on how
to cure the plant and may direct the user to advertising portal 970
for plant care product and service information. Plant care product
and service information may include identification of local
retailers, landscape architects, landscapers and purchasing
information for plant care products and tools, for example,
fertilizers and nutrients, that can used in curing the plant.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 12, a flow diagram of a real-time plant
health monitoring system in one embodiment of the invention is
shown. Initially, client software 912 conducts an interview with
the user on a user interface of personal computer 910 and retrieves
a species profile for an installed plant from one of regional plant
databases 960 based on user interview data (1210). The user may
identify the installed plant species directly through an input on
the user interface or the installed plant species may be identified
from answers responsive to interview questions propounded by client
software 912 on the user interface. Controller 110 is connected to
personal computer 910 and the species profile is downloaded to
controller 110 (1220). Controller 110 is disconnected from personal
computer 910 and installed in probe 100. Probe 100 is installed at
a site of a plant (1230). Probe 100 is activated by depressing
on/off button 610 (1240) which prompts probe 100 to power-up and
start collecting and processing environmental data (1250).
Controller 110 checks continually for an environmental condition
adverse to health of the installed plant by comparing the
environmental data against the downloaded species profile. If an
adverse environmental condition is detected, controller 110 outputs
an audible and/or visual alert on loudspeaker 870 and/or status
display 650 (1260). In response to an audible and/or visual alert,
the user re-connects controller 110 to personal computer 910.
Client software 912 uploads the environmental data (1270) and
displays the environmental data on a user interface of personal
computer 910 (1280). Alternatively, client software 912 may upload
information regarding the adverse environmental condition detected
by controller 110. Client software 912 then directs the user to
user forums 940 or advertising portal 970 for information on how to
improve the health of the installed plant (1290). In some
embodiments controller 110 may output a distinct alarm for an
adverse environmental condition, for example, a distinct display
color or pulse frequency or audio tone that indicates soil moisture
is insufficient and the plant needs water, to enable a user to
correct the condition without reconnecting controller 110 to
personal computer 910.
[0049] FIGS. 13 through 15 show a probe 1300 for use in plant
selection, plant health diagnostics and real-time monitoring in
another embodiment of the invention. Probe 1300 has a modular
design that permits easy assembly and disassembly and enhances the
portability of a controller 1310 which houses data, interfaces and
logic critical to system operation and which is physically
transported during system operation between probe 1300 and a
personal computer. Modular elements of probe 1300 are shown in
FIGS. 13 through 15 to include controller 1310 and a soil mount
1340. Probe 1300 has a minimalist look that appeals to the modern
aesthetic.
[0050] Soil mount 1340 has a receptacle projecting upward therefrom
and a two-pronged stake projecting downward therefrom. The
receptacle has an interior cross section and a depth that match the
exterior cross section and depth of a USB connector 1510 that
projects downward from the bottom of controller 1310 such that
controller 1310 snugly engages with soil mount 1340 when USB
connector 1510 is slid into the receptacle. The snug fit between
controller 1510 and soil mount 1340 helps prevent moisture and
other contaminants from reaching electronic components of
controller, such as USB connector 1510. When installed in a natural
environment, probe 1300 is mounted by pushing the prongs through
the surface of the ground near the actual or prospective location
of a plant. In some embodiments, probe 1300 has a depth mark
indicating the user a recommended depth to which probe 1300 should
be submerged.
[0051] When installed in a natural environment, controller 1310 is
exposed to direct sunlight that can heat controller 1310 well above
ambient temperature and can cause the temperature and humidity
sensors of controller 1310 to record incorrect measurements much
different than ambient. In some embodiments, controller 1310
mathematically corrects for above-ambient temperature readings and
below-ambient humidity readings by reference to measurements made
by a light sensor of controller 1310. Particularly, controller 1310
runs an algorithm that adjusts temperature readings downward and
humidity readings upward as a function of light intensity and
duration readings taken by the light sensor.
[0052] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the spirit or essential character hereof. For
example, in other embodiments probe 100, 1300 may have a general
purpose microprocessor and a graphical user interface and client
software 912 and, optionally, one of regional plant databases 960
may run on probe 100, 1300. In still other embodiments data may be
exchanged between probe 100, 1300 and personal computer 910 over a
wireless communications interface via a wireless communication
protocol. The present description is therefore considered in all
respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the
invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that
come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are
intended to be embraced therein.
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